OCOTILLO, Calif. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector attempted to rescue two men this week left to die by their human smugglers.

One incident occurred Tuesday, Sept. 11, at approximately 11:40 a.m., when agents on foot patrol in the Jacumba Mountains discovered a man who was severely dehydrated. Agents began to render first aid and determined that he could not be moved in his condition.

Yuma Search and Rescue (SAR) from Marine Corps station, Yuma, Arizona, along with Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) responded to the location to assist in lifesaving efforts.

At approximately 11:55 a.m., the victim’s condition deteriorated and he lost consciousness and vitals. Yuma SAR, and BORSTAR made a resuscitation effort, but were unable to revive the victim

In a separate incident on Wednesday, two individuals were abandoned by smugglers in the Yuha Desert. Agents were alerted that a man and pregnant female were in need of rescue. Agents began a search and found the pair. Agents rendered first aid until EMS and Imperial County Fire Department arrived.

Although the pregnant female was in dire condition, actions performed by Border Patrol agents and the emergency workers saved her life. Unfortunately, agents and emergency workers were not able to save the man who succumbed to his injuries.

“Entrusting your life to criminals to smuggle you into the United States is dangerous, as these unfortunate incidents illustrate,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “Smugglers don’t care about lives, they only care about collecting money.”

Imperial County Coroner’s Office took custody of the remains of both bodies.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.